Today President Obama met with Haitian President Rene Preval, to discuss the change in assistance in Haiti from one of rescue to rebuilding.  Mr. Preval thanked the United States and the International community for the assistance following a devastating 7.0 earthquake which destroyed the capital of Port-au-Prince, while Mr. Obama hailed Preval and the Haitian people for weathering such catastrophe with poise and compassion.  President Obama said that Haiti's loss would be the equivalent of 100 million Americans suddenly being without shelter, food, or water, something that no single country could combat without aid from around the world.

It was a reminder of the long road ahead for the Haitian people and a reaffirmation of the commitment of the United States to continue to assist in the long term rebuilding of the island nation.

Watch President Obama's remarks below: